Compiled by Nancy Haigh

Each year brings special remembrances for everyone. The year 2008 will have a very special place in people's memories.

A look back through the files of the Pioneer Review brought out some highlights from the surrounding area.

January - An ongoing effort by the Haakon Education Association to raise funds for new playground equipment brought some big names to town. Well, at least their photos and autographs. The HEA held a celebrity auction in which well-known individuals donated books, autographed photos, drawings, and apparel.

Earl Slovek, age 85, of Philip, SD, died December 24, 2008, at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip.

Services were held Saturday, December 27, at the American Legion Hall in Philip, with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.

Interment was at the Masonic Cemetery, Philip.

Music was provided by Barb Bowen, pianist, and Elvera Moos, vocalist. Ushers were Keith Slovek and Glenn O'Connell.

The 2009 annual Ranchers' Workshop is set for January 14 at the White River Events Center in White River.

  The workshop begins with registration at 9:00 a.m. After a welcome presentation at 9:45 a.m., a series of discussions will make up the workshop.

•Brad Young, a rancher from Wausa, NE, will present information on low-cost grazing concepts.

•Dr.

The recent roiling of the financial markets is unparalleled in our generation. Financial collapses, forced buyouts, reports of big banks faltering have sent shudders throughout the world. The Great Depression is distant history to most of us, but the current collapses can be more than facing history.

All this can remind us to evaluate our priorities.

Cecil Gartner, age 87 of Philip, South Dakota , died December 16, 2008, at the Rapid City Regional Hospital.

Cecil R. Gartner was born November 27, 1921, in Platte, South Dakota, the son of Wallace and Ila Collene (King) Gartner. He grew up in Platte until 1930, when the family moved to Philip. Cecil received his education in rural schools in the area. After his schooling, he moved to Washington State where he worked on a wheat farm, prior to moving back to Philip where he worked for Mac McIlravy on his sheep ranch.

Cecil entered the United States Army on September 24, 1942.

Alice Mae Fosheim, age 72, of Irving, TX, died Monday, December 8, 2008, at the Vibra Long Term Acute Care Hospital in Dallas, Texas after a five-month battle with lung cancer.

Alice Mae Fosheim was born February 20, 1936, in Murdo, SD, one of eight children born to Roy and Mary (Marshall) Stotts.

On September 18, 1956, Alice Mae was united in marriage to Richard Wayne Fosheim of the family ranch north of Midland, to this union three children were born, Rodney Ray, Douglas Wayne, and Jodie Lynn.

Alice Mae dedicated her life to her family.

Donald Magnus Poste died on Dec. 9, 2008, at the age of 79, at his home, following a lengthy illness.

He was born on the family ranch on Ash Creek in Grindstone, SD, on February 9, 1929, to Magdalena and Brainard Poste. His older sister, Carol, braved a winter blizzard to summons the county midwife for his entrance into their lives.

Donald attended school in Philip, SD. After finishing school, he entered the United States Air Force and was assigned as a Chief Crewman on a C-97 Troop Transport.

George Fosheim, age 71 of Murdo, SD, died December 10, 2008, at the Palliative Care Suites at St. Mary's Hospital in Pierre.

Memorial services were held 10:30 a.m. CST on Saturday, December 13, at the Messiah Lutheran Church in Murdo, with Pastor Ray Greenseth officiating.

Music was provided by Karen Royer, pianist. Ushers were Dean Faber and Dean Nelson. Pallbearers were Nathan, Kendell, Bryce and Jesse Fosheim, Tyler Hallock, Jed Novotny and Ricky Dant.

George Erwin Fosheim was born to Peter T. and Viola (Hand) Fosheim March 22, 1937.

Daniel J. Nelson, age 41, of Aurora, died Sunday, December 14, 2008, at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, MN, of injuries received in a welding accident.

Funeral services will be 3:00 p.m. Thursday, December 18, 2008, at the First English Lutheran Church in Aurora, with visitations preceding services at the church, beginning at 1:00 p.m.

A prayer service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 20, at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Creighton, SD.

Interment will follow in the Creighton Cemetery.

On November 17, 25 Philip FFA members competed at the District 5 Leadership Career Development Events.

Philip competed against Lemmon, Bison, Sturgis, Rapid City, Harding County, Wall, New Underwood, Faith and Newell.